FIRE AGATE

Fire Agate is not a well known gem.
It has colors that are brighter and
sometimes more beautiful than opal.

Without the risk of cracking, fading
or easily scratching. .

This variety of silica is generaly formed by volcanic activity. Fire Agate is thought to be formed when hot water saturated with colloidal silica and iron oxide. Invades cavities in regular rock below the earth's surface.

When it begins to cool. Chalcedony with iron oxide begins to grow on any available surface. The solution grows layers of silica and iron oxide. Many shapes and colors are formed by the mineral impurities in the silica.

The alternating silica and iron oxide layers are called Schiller. The Schiller layers are small enough that light passing through them. Forming an interference of colors known as Fire.
These impurities give fire agate the distinction of "Gem", rather than just agate.

As the iron oxide in the solution runs out, colorless chalcedony continues to grow. Producing the typical brown and white rough fire agate. The iron oxide is what gives this gem it's basic brown color.
Some of the most colorful and brilliant fire agates are from Arizona. The micro-thin layers in this material, diffract light, back to the eye in rainbow patterns. Creating brilliant bubbles and sheets of red, green, yellow, and the elusive blue. It is truly remarkable material. From famous mines such as, Deer Creek, Slaughter Mountain and others.

SIZE :  6mm x 10mm x 5mm

2.4 ct